The health system response to Eltor cholera outbreak: an experience in Iran

Background: Following the outbreak of eltor cholera in Iraq’s Kurdistan, Iran was threatened through the western border. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the health system response of Marivan city in Kurdistan Province (Iran) as a risky gateway for the outbreak of eltor cholera epidemic in Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was implemented in Marivan in October 2012 in 6 steps with different methods of data gathering including situation analysis, and document and literature review. Case finding is important in controlling disease outbreak. We mention to case finding in the health system.in Marivan city. Results: During the Eltor epidemic in Marivan, Control measures, training actions, and coordination measures had been within and outside the organization such as the health system, municipality, police, industries, mine and trade, terminals and transportation, local radio, agriculture, and water and sewerage. To create an intersectional coordination for disease control, job description of the offices was issued by the governor to them, and the health system response was appropriate and timely in controlling the Eltor epidemic. Conclusions: After the outbreak of Eltor in Iraq and following the announcement of standby status by Iran’s Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME), the health system of Marivan took steps to deal with the Eltor epidemic. We proposed the improvement of control measures and organizational coordination to control the probable outbreak. The appropriate strategies were presented to improve the performance of the health system and treatment in similar situations.